China hosts world's first half-marathon race between humans and robots

In April, China will host a groundbreaking event, marking the world's first half-marathon race in which humanoid robots will compete against humans. This innovative race will take place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, located in the Daxing district of Beijing. It is anticipated that almost 12,000 human runners will join dozens of humanoid robots in covering a distance of approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles). This event highlights not only a significant advancement in robotics but also aligns with China’s broader goals to promote artificial intelligence technologies. To participate, the humanoid robots must meet specific criteria, such as having a human-like appearance and a mechanical structure that enables bipedal movement. The height of the competing robots must range from 0.5 meters to 2 meters, with a leg extension requirement of at least 0.45 meters. Both remote-controlled robots and fully autonomous bots are eligible, allowing for quick battery replacements during the race. Companies, universities, robotics clubs, and research institutions from around the world are invited to contribute to this competition. This event is part of a broader effort by China to establish a comprehensive robotics ecosystem, with projections indicating a growth in the robotics industry to nearly $54 billion by the decade’s end. Previous to this event, a humanoid robot made an appearance at a marathon in Beijing last November, cheering on participants, which showcased the potential for human-robot collaboration in a sporting context. With the global race for artificial intelligence technology heating up, this marathon serves as a platform for demonstrating advancements in embodied AI. The competition, designed to push the limits of current technologies, will likely draw significant attention not only in China but worldwide, as it showcases the integration of robots into domains traditionally reserved for human athletes.